Car maintenance costs forcing motorists to use dangerous vehicles

As a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis, one-third of drivers in Great Britain have admitted to skipping an essential service on their vehicles.

Younger motorists are more at risk of driving with a potentially dangerous vehicle, with data showing 43 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds are likely to bypass vehicle maintenance to save money.

Less than half of all motorists would feel fully prepared if they needed to pay for essential work needed to keep their vehicles safe.

In comparison to younger motorists, elderly drivers are the most confident with paying for any essential repairs, with 63 percent being prepared to pay.

Shockingly, a quarter of drivers have got behind the wheel knowing their vehicle needed essential repairs, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.

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For some drivers, the costs associated with keeping vehicles on the road are forcing them to consider whether to keep their cars.

While this would have an enormous impact on their daily lives, especially with mobility, the cost of living has continued to squeeze the pockets of Britons.

Mike Todd, CEO at Volkswagen Financial Services UK, pointed to the cost of living crisis resulting in many drivers choosing between car maintenance and other costs.

This particularly affects younger drivers who may compromise their safety in order to save money on alternative things.

He added: “One in four have experienced a cost which could have been avoided with regular servicing. 

“As an industry, we should be supporting drivers in their entire vehicle ownership and usership journey. 

“That means offering service options which cater to various needs and budgets so all drivers on the roads are in safe vehicles.” 

The Government launched a consultation earlier this year in hopes of changing parts of the MOT test to save drivers money.

One of the main proposals would be to change the date at which the first MOT for new vehicles is required, from three, to four years.

It is hoped that this, and other measures, could save motorists across Greater Britain around £100million a year in MOT fees.

Government analysis showed that the change from three to four years for the first MOT should not impact road safety significantly.